Tadalafil is used for erectile dysfunction (impotence). It is a prescription drug and its use must be supervised by medical practitioners as it could cause side effects such as headache and upset stomach. It could also cause serious hypotension among people with heart disease.
The Department of Health today (October 8) advised members of the public not to buy or use the health product "Golden Gun", which contained a Western drug ingredient, Tadalafil.
The importer had been instructed to recall the products from the market within seven days and to surrender them to the Department of Health, a spokesman said.
"Members of the public who have purchased the product are advised to stop using it, dispose of it or surrender it to the department's Pharmaceutical Service at 3/F, Public Health Laboratory Centre, 382 Nam Cheong Street, Kowloon during office hours," the spokesman said.
The public can call the importer's hotline at 2723 3796 for matters related to the recall of the product.
The department has also set up a hotline 2319 2839 for health enquiries. It will operate until 8pm today and during office hours from tomorrow.
Products containing Western medicine are pharmaceutical products and must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance before they can go on sale. "Golden Gun" has not been registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
The spokesman reminded importers and retailers that the possession and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products was an offence liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page :
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200409/30/0930238.htm